It’s Not Defense… #Gaza

No warnings, no sirens, and no bunkers to hide in. Yesterday, in a mere few seconds, the sky fell on the Dalook family, and all eleven of its members were killed after their home was struck by an Israeli missile, their lifeless bodies stuck under huge slabs of concrete and mangled metal.  Among the dead, 2 children and a baby.  Israel claims to have been targeting a man by the name of Yahya Bayya’ii, accused of firing Hamas rockets into Israel. No one in that neighborhood had even heard of him.

The State Department’s statement on this issue is that Israel has the right to defend itself against the launching of primitive rockets from small radical groups within Gaza. The State Department graciously encouraged both sides to avoid civilian casualties, but nowhere gave the Palestinians in Gaza the same right to defend themselves against the offensive operation being carried out by Israel. The Palestinians, once again, are relegated to a less-than-human status by the US and Israel. This time though, the comments we have been hearing from the mouths of some Israeli politicians, journalists, and ministers are simply atrocious. Here are a few examples:

In article in the Jerusalem Post, Ariel Sharon’s son, Gilad, stated:
“We need to flatten entire neighborhoods in Gaza. Flatten all of Gaza. The Americans didn’t stop with Hiroshima – the Japanese weren’t surrendering fast enough, so they hit Nagasaki, too.”

Matan Vilnai, Israel’s deputy defense minster, called for a “bigger holocaust” from Israeli armed forces as a punishment for Gaza.

Israeli Minister of the Interior, Eli Yishai stated regarding the war currently being waged on the Gaza Strip: “The goal of the operation is to send Gaza back to the Middle Ages. Only then will Israel be calm for forty years.”

It was difficult to swallow that such opinions can be held by anyone, let alone some of the most influential voices in the country. If these are the voices that are heeded, how can there ever be a true peace?

Noam Chomsky said it best:
“The incursion and bombardment of Gaza is not about destroying Hamas… it is not about achieving peace… Israel uses sophisticated attack jets and naval vessels to bomb densely-crowded refugee camps, schools, apartment blocks, mosques, and slums to attack a population that has no air force, no air defense, no navy, no heavy weapons, no artillery units, no mechanized armor, no command in control, no army… and calls it a war. It is not a war, it is murder. When Israelis in the occupied territories now claim that they have to defend themselves, they are defending themselves in the sense that any military occupier has to defend itself against the population they are crushing. You can’t defend yourself when you’re militarily occupying someone else’s land. That’s not defense. Call it what you like, it’s not defense.”

The images out of Gaza are always difficult to see. They were four years ago during Operation Cast Lead, and they are now. Israeli hardliners, some aforementioned, continue to promote the idea of punishing Gaza as a whole in unspeakable ways. As the world continues to cry out for justice in Gaza, Israel refuses to make concessions, and seems to prefer a state of endless conflict with the Palestinians, and as was the case four years ago, it is the innocent civilians that are paying the heaviest price.

The FSA’s Zubaida Al-Meeki

Kick-Ass Woman of the Week:

Many of my friends have traveled and lived in different places around the world, from the US to Europe. I remember that whenever I called them, most of them would say how far away they felt. Yesterday’s protests in Amman, Jordan, my home, made me feel that way more than ever. As I continue to wrap my head around these events (by that I mean put my many thoughts into words), of course my Twitter feed continues to be filled with other ongoing stories not just from Jordan, but from around the Middle East.

As I scrolled through the many tweets, one caught my attention, sharing a story out of Syria that gave me the uplifting boost I was looking for before I headed to bed last night. I had found my kick-ass woman of the week, and this one was definitely deserving of the title.

Zubaida Al-Meeki’s story just recently came to light a few weeks ago. She became the first female officer to announce defection from President Bashar Al-Assad’s army. Al-Meeki is an Alawite originally from the Occupied Golan Heights. Formerly a General in the Army, she describes the atrocities and crimes being committed by the regime as going against her beliefs and principles. As soon as the town she was in, Bibila, was seized by the Free Syrian Army, she approached the nearest checkpoint and told opposition forces that she wanted to join the fight against Assad to protect the Syrian people.

An Alawite, a woman, and a General in Assad’s army. She left many of the FSA fighters dumbfounded and suspicious when she first approached them, but she proved them all wrong.
“The revolution gave dignity to the Syrian people and gave minorities a sense of belonging to one country. All of the sects in Syria have suffered so much under this regime,” she says.

With her people and her country as her source of inspiration, Al-Meeki now has the job of training those with little or no military experience join the fight with the FSA.

Al-Meeki, to me, is a model FSA member, not just because she has become a symbol of female FSA members, but because she sees the Syrian population as a single entity that cannot be divided according to sect or religious affiliation. It is this goal that will hopefully help the FSA achieve the goals of a liberated and just Syria.

Until next time…

A Special Eid Al Adha Lesson

Today marks my favorite Muslim holiday. As a child, like all other kids my age at the time, I looked forward to it for one primary reason: getting gifts (usually in the form of cash) from every single relative visited. It would turn into a competition to see which cousin would raise the most money. As a grown up though, I came to embrace the wonderful meaning and story behind the holiday, and it is that story that makes it my favorite holiday today.

Eid Al Adha is literally translated into “The Festival of the Sacrifice.” It is a four day holiday that marks the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). The festival directly commemorates a historical event that actually involves the Prophet Abraham. In this story, God tested Abraham’s faith by ordering him to sacrifice his only son, Ishmael. As Abraham laid down his son and held a knife to his throat, God sent an angel from the sky with a ram that Ishmael under the knife. Abraham proved his faith and his willingness to sacrifice anything for God.

This marks yet another holiday I will be away from my family in Jordan, where my uncle would usually share the story behind Eid with all of the kids in the family. This year though, I took over for my uncle here in the US, and when I shared this story with my friends, I learned more about the holiday than I ever knew, and was truly touched by what I heard.

One of the many things I am thankful for here in the US is the ability to live in a place where diversity is widespread. Through the friends I’ve made here, I learned that Eid Al Adha is yet another example of the shared origins Islam has with Christianity and Judaism. The story and message celebrated throughout this Eid is one recognized by all three. Even though in the versions accepted by Christianity and Judaism it is Isaac who was almost sacrificed by Abraham, it is heartwarming to be reminded that all three religions in the end celebrate 2 major commonalities: the existence of one merciful God, and the ultimate prevention of sacrificing human life.

In all three religions, nothing is more sacred than human life. Many things are worth sacrificing for a good cause, but human life should never be one of them. I hope this is especially something that the cease-fire in Syria can achieve and remind the government and rebel fighters of.

I believe Rumi (who I am now obsessed with by the way) said it best. And I will leave you with his words:
“I am neither Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim. Doing away with duality, I saw the two worlds as one. I seek One, I know One, I see One, and I call One.”

Eid Mubarak to all my readers and followers. May this year bring us all joy, prosperity, and peace.

Rachel Corrie – Justice Lost

Israel has a huge chance to surprise us all tomorrow. It has a chance to uphold justice, and help, even in the tiniest of ways, heal the hearts of two loving parents. After withstanding years of waiting, a struggle for justice and closure culminates in Haifa tomorrow, when a verdict is released on the death of Rachel Corrie in March of 2003. Rachel Corrie’s name has become revered in the Arab World, and is well known in the field of activism. I recall hearing about her story in Amman, and to this day, shudder when looking at the pictures taken of her moments before her death. Corrie’s parents are suing the IDF for $1 in damages, but, more importantly, are charging those responsible for the death of their daughter with criminal negligence.

According to her family, Corrie was killed attempting to prevent the demolition of a house owned by a Palestinian doctor and his family in Rafah.  As a bulldozer approached the doctor’s house, Corrie bravely stood in front of it, and used a megaphone in an attempt to stop the operator from demolishing the house. The bulldozer did not stop moving, trapping Rachel under its blade, and then backing up over her once more as fellow activists threw small stones and yelled frantically (also using megaphones) to get the attention of the operator to stop. Unfortunately, Corrie had suffered fatal injuries and attempts to save her life failed.

The IDF maintains their point of view that the operator of the bulldozer did not see Corrie, and this has been the central point in Rachel’s parents’ fight for justice. Several witnesses to the event describe Rachel standing atop of a pile of earth, and have consistently reiterated that there is no way that the driver did not see or hear her. Looking at one of the photos taken of Rachel moments before her death, I would agree with that fact. It seems to me that Rachel is definitely in the driver’s line of vision.

Corrie was an activist in every sense of the word. Her passion for the Palestinian cause was social above anything else, as she focused her letters, writings, and interviews on the impact the occupation was having on the livelihood of the Palestinians, especially children. In one interview, Corrie described what she was seeing as the “systematic destruction of a people’s ability to survive.” That was exactly what she was trying to prevent. Because she was American, her story became a rare Western lens into the plight of the Palestinian people, and the human rights violations they continue to face today.

Forced evictions and house demolitions are illegal under international law. Corrie was well aware of this fact.  This long overdue verdict is vital, and a victory will be symbolic for all those continuing to face such hardships. The Corries hope that justice for Rachel will help countless Palestinian families who have lost their homes seek justice as well. I regret to say though that history has taught me not to get my hopes up in cases like this one…

Rachel in Rafah..

Update: Surprise surprise Israel rules that Rachel was responsible for her own death, leading to a global uproar. Justice has not been served, and Israeli courts continue to disregard the value of humanity.

A Worrying Sign

Mother Nature has made this Eid wonderful. The weather here in the city has been amazing, and I have finally began to grasp the concept of using degrees Fahrenheit over Celsius. At first, any time I looked up the weather forecast and saw the number 85 I’d freak out. That has thankfully become a rare event now 🙂

Spending Eid in the US was extremely special, and, without sounding too cheesy, symbolized some of the true values of America. My friends and I feasted on authentic Italian food as we discussed our plans for the Fall. My effect on my friends also shone through as the conversation soon took a turn to discuss some recent social and political events, these included the fatal attack on the Sikh temple in Wisconsin, and how various religious institutions came together to mourn those who were killed. I was touched by the reactions that I saw on the news. It is these qualities of pluralism and tolerance that are rooted in both American and Muslim ethics.

Eid is all about reaffirming those ideas, and symbolizes a fresh start. We all toasted to that as we ended our dinner. By the time I got home it was around midnight. I decided to call my mom (an early bird) and see how Eid festivities were in Amman. She said that even though that it was great seeing almost every single aunt, uncle, and cousin, most conversations focused on an unsettling story out of Jerusalem. The story gave me chills.

Last Thursday night, during one of the final nights of Ramadan, a group of around 20 Jewish teenagers attacked four Palestinians between the ages of 14 and 17 as they were walking around an area called Zion Square.  Nine Jewish teenagers have been arrested so far, and according to reports, Israeli police believe that one of the Israeli teenage girls incited the group to attack the Palestinian youth after claiming to have had a relationship with an Arab. One of the Palestinian teenagers, Jamal Julani, was badly beat up and lost consciousness at the scene. Paramedics were miraculously able to revive him and he is now recovering.

One of paramedics recounted what she saw at the scene on her Facebook page. The Israeli +972 magazine translated what she wrote:
“It’s late at night, and I can’t sleep. My eyes are full of tears for a good few hours now and my stomach is turning inside out with the question of the loss of humanity, the image of God in mankind, a loss that I am not willing to accept. But today I saw a lynch with my own eyes, in Zion Square, the center of the city of Jerusalem… Those who were kicking [Jamal] fled and the rest gathered in a circle around, with some still shouting with hate in their eyes.”

In court, the primary suspect in the beating of Jamal admitted to his actions with no signs of regret or remorse, stating that if he had the chance he’d do it again because Jamal was an Arab.

The event should be a wake-up call to all of those still hoping and wishing for a peaceful end to the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. With such deeply embedded hatred that is so easily unleashed, true progress on this issue cannot be achieved. Palestinian and Jewish youth are physically segregated from each other. Fear, racism, and prejudice are outcomes of this segregation. Without a united educational front that is pushed for by both parties, it will be impossible for Israeli and Palestinian youth to overcome the stereotypes they are taught about one another.

Peaceful interaction is key, and if the future lies in the hand of youth like those responsible for the attack, there are a lot of things to fix and a limited time to do so.

The Truth Hurts

So many people have texted me and called me about one topic recently that I think it would be best to share my opinion here! I’m sure a lot of you have heard about the “Pro-Palestine Ad” that has been placed in numerous New York metro stations. The ad shows an image that is extremely familiar in the Middle East, portraying the gradual loss of Palestinian land since the year 1946.

The ads were purchased by an organization called The Committee for Peace in Israel AND Palestine. Henry Clifford, co-chairman of the group, stated that the posters were displayed in 50 railroad stations, and that their sole purpose was to “educate and inform people.”
Do the ads do that? Yes, I personally think they do.
Are the maps valid? Yup.
4.7 million Palestinian refugees? Indeed that is the number the UN has on record.

I read a little bit more about the Committee, and I admired their mission statement, which calls for a “two-state solution to the conflict” and “an end to violence on both sides,” an idea that I support because of the benefits it would bring to both peoples.

Of course, negative reactions spread fast. My favorite, though, comes from the Anti-Defamation League, which released a statement saying that the “reference to the number of Palestinian refugees make it appear as if Israel was responsible for their displacement.” I don’t even know how to respond to a statement so irrational. At the very least, illegal settlement building and house demolitions would make staying a tad bit difficult for Palestinians I would think.

In my opinion, the ad is balanced and in no way provocative. The only time Israel is mentioned is in the map. In fact, I think the ad motivates people to look into the topic, which is exactly what both sides need! The conflict has yet to be resolved, and a fair and just two-state solution is a long way ahead of us, but I think a more knowledgeable international community will help expedite the process, and that is what the ad encourages.

Until that happens though, we have to deal with petty comebacks such as the one being organized by the American Freedom Defense Initiative, a pro-Israel group. As a response to the “Pro-Palestine Ad,” they have created an ad to be put on the MTA’s buses, that reads,
“In any war between the civilized man and the savage, support the civilized man. Support Israel. Defeat Islamic Jihad.”

Initially, the MTA refused the ad because it was deemed offensive and unbalanced. It also ridiculously creates the assumption that all Palestinians are Muslim, and that all Muslims are terrorists, which is a perception that does nothing but fuel existing stereotypes about Muslims and Arabs, and showing nothing less than pure ignorance. The ad is extremely insulting, and the MTA I think made the right decision by rejecting it. Unfortunately, the rejection didn’t go well with the AFDI, and the issue went to court, where the MTA’s decision was overturned. It is these wrong and misleading messages that showcase a truly aggressive point of view that I think is the primary hindrance to progress on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

What can I say, there’s still so much to be done. It seems like every time we almost take a step forward, we are pushed 5 steps back..